The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed to all vehicles on Friday, as confirmed by officials. This vital 250-kilometer route serves as the only all-weather connection between Kashmir and the rest of the country.

The closure is necessary to facilitate road widening and debris removal at sensitive locations between Udhampur and Banihal. This decision followed the departure of approximately 1,600 pilgrims from the Jammu base camp to the Amarnath Cave at 2:42 AM on Thursday. Traffic police have indicated that due to the suspension of traffic on the highway, all types of vehicles will be barred from moving between the Jakhani area of Udhampur and the newly constructed tunnel at Banihal, allowing restoration work to proceed.

Officials noted that this action was taken at the request of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The district magistrates of Udhampur and Ramban issued separate orders to permit these works, prioritizing the safety of travelers and drivers using this route. The road will be widened in the Ladha and Samroli areas, and debris will be cleared near Gangaru and Kishtwar Pathar along the Udhampur-Banihal stretch.

According to a traffic police advisory, vehicles will not be allowed to proceed beyond Nagrota in Jammu towards Srinagar, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Patnitop, and vice versa. However, travelers heading towards Katra, Reasi, and Udhampur towns are advised to carry a photo ID for smooth passage from Nagrota.